Methods of dispensing

ABSTRACT

Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer&#39;s location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to methods of dispensing an ingredientand, more particularly, to methods of dispensing an ingredient in whichthe dispensed is controlled by a dispenser.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Dispensing systems to dispense an ingredient for a commercialpurpose have been widely used in many industries. For example, in therestaurant industry, warewashing systems are employed to rapidly washlarge quantities of eating utensils, plates, pots, pans, glassware, etc.In another example in the hotel industry, linens, towels, clothing andthe like are washed in commercial cleaning systems. Such systemscommonly employ dispensers to dispense chemicals, such as detergents, toeffectively perform the washing function.

[0003] Many types of dispensers and control systems for such dispensershave been utilized. Such dispensers, control systems and methods forcontrolling such dispensers have utilized a variety of techniques. Asone example, such methods may dispense a predetermined amount of theingredient into the cleaning apparatus for each cycle of the apparatus.Other systems and methods attempt to determine when the ingredient needsto be replenished in the cleaning apparatus by measuring acharacteristic of the cleaning apparatus, e.g., measuring theconductivity of a use solution to determine when additional detergentneeds to be added.

[0004] Many of these prior art dispensing methods fail to effectivelymanage the amount of ingredient dispensed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Dispensing an ingredient, usually from a container (either in adispenser or self-contained) in order to accurately measure an amount ofan ingredient dispensed provides significant advantages.

[0006] In one example, accurately measuring an amount of an ingredientdispensed can be advantageously used in a dispenser to adjust adispenser which otherwise dispenses the ingredient on another basis,e.g., on the basis of time.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient. The ingredient isdispensed based on a factor affecting a dispensed amount of theingredient. The dispensed amount of the ingredient is determined. Thefactor is adjusted for a subsequent dispense cycle using a comparisonbetween the requested amount and the dispensed amount.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient from a container. Aninitial weight of the ingredient in the container is measured. Theingredient is dispensed from the container for a predetermined period oftime. A final weight of the ingredient in the container is measured. Adispensed amount of the ingredient dispensed during the predeterminedperiod of time is determined by comparing the final weight with theinitial weight. The predetermined period of time is adjusted for asubsequent dispense cycle using a comparison between the requestedamount and the dispensed amount.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient from a container byeroding the ingredient with a diluent. An initial weight of theingredient in the container is measured. The ingredient is dispensedfrom the container for a predetermined period of time. A time lag allowsthe diluent to drain from the ingredient. A final weight of theingredient in the container is measured. A dispensed amount of theingredient dispensed during the predetermined period of time isdetermined by comparing the final weight with the initial weight. Thedispensed weight is compared with the requested weight. Thepredetermined period of time for a subsequent dispense cycle is adjustedas a function of the comparing step.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient in each of a plurality ofcycles. The ingredient in each of the plurality of cycles is dispensedbased on a factor affecting a dispensed amount of the ingredient. Thedispensed amount of the ingredient over the plurality of cycles isdetermined. The predetermined factor is adjusted for a subsequentdispense cycle using a comparison between the requested amount over theplurality of cycles and the dispensed amount.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined amount of time isadjusted downward if the dispensed amount exceeds the requested amount.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined amount of time isadjusted upward if the requested amount exceeds the dispensed amount.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the factor comprises a pumping speedof a pump used to dispense the ingredient.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the factor comprises an effectivenessof a grinder used to dispense the ingredient.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the factor comprises a speed ofdispenser used to dispense a powdered ingredient.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the factor comprises a degree offlooding the ingredient.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the factor comprises a temperature atwhich the ingredient is dispensed.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient is dispensed by erodingthe ingredient with a diluent.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the initial weight is compared with aknown weight representative of an empty container and the container isreplaced before dispensing if the comparison indicates that thecontainer is empty.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of cycles is at leasttwo.

[0021] In another example, accurately measuring the weight of aningredient being dispensed, e.g., from a powdered or solid ingredientbeing eroded by a diluent, can be advantageously utilized in methods tocontrol the erosion where the amount of the ingredient being dispensedhis being partially masked by the weight of the diluent.

[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient from a container, i.e.,eroding the ingredient with a diluent. The ingredient is weighed. Thediluent is activated to erode the ingredient. A measured weight lossfrom a maximum weight of the ingredient is determined. The diluent isdeactivated when the measured weight loss indicates that the requestedamount will be dispensed.

[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient. The ingredient isweighed. A dispenser is activated to dispense the ingredient. A weightloss of the ingredient is determined at least in part by measuring arate at which the ingredient is being dispensed. The dispenser is theactivated when the weight loss indicates that the requested amount willbe dispensed.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient is solid.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the diluent is sprayed on theingredient.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the diluent is sprayed on theingredient from below the ingredient.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a minimum weight is reached afteractivation and before the maximum weight.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient is powdered.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the deactivating step is accomplishedwhen the measured weight equals the difference between the maximumweight and the requested amount minus an offset.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, wherein the offset is based upon anamount of the ingredient dispensed between a time at which theactivating step occurs and a time when the ingredient reaches themaximum weight.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the offset is empirically determined.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the offset is additionally based upona trailing amount of the ingredient dispensed following the deactivatingstep.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the rate at which the ingredient isbeing dispensed is a function of measuring a slope of a dispensingcurve.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the determining step comprisesmeasuring a maximum of the ingredient and a rate at which the ingredientis being dispensed to interpolate a time when the requested amount ofthe ingredient will be dispensed.

[0035] In another example, accurately measuring the weight of aningredient being dispensed can be advantageously used along withmeasurement of a factor indicative of the effectiveness of theingredient in the apparatus. The ingredient dispensed is based on thefactor in order to maintain the effectiveness of the ingredient in theapparatus.

[0036] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing an ingredient for use in an apparatus. The ingredient has aneffectiveness in use in the apparatus in which the effectiveness isdependent upon a measurable factor. The factor is measured. An amount ofthe ingredient to be dispensed is predicted based at least in part onthe factor. The amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

[0037] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a concentrate into an apparatus having a sump containing asolution of the concentrate in a diluent in which any effectiveness ofthe concentrate declines in use. The effectiveness is dependent upon ameasurable factor. The factor is measured. Whether an additional amountof the concentrate should be added to the sump in order to increase theeffectiveness is determined. The additional amount of the concentrate isdispensed, if required.

[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdispensing a concentrate in each of a plurality of cycles into anapparatus having a sump containing a diluent in which any effectivenessof the concentrate declines in use. The effectiveness is dependent upona measurable factor. The factor is measured in each of the plurality ofcycles. An amount of the concentrate is dispensed in each of theplurality of cycles based at least in part on the factor.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient is dispensed into asolution in the apparatus.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the factor is a function of thesolution.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the factor is the pH of the solution.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the factor indicates too much of theconcentrate in the sump.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring step indicates that thesump has been refilled with fresh diluent and wherein the dispensingstep dispenses a refill amount of the concentrate.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the amount of the concentratedispensed is dependent upon a dispense time and wherein the dispensetime is adjusted based at least in part on the measuring step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0045]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a dispenser in which some or all ofmethods of the present invention may find usefulness;

[0046]FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the weight of a dispensingingredient of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

[0047]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the inventionin which an ingredient is dispensed by eroding the ingredient with adiluent;

[0048]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a first portion of a moredetailed preferred embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0049]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a second portion of the methodof FIG. 4;

[0050]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the inventionin which an ingredient is dispensed based on the result of a previousdispense cycle;

[0051]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a more detailed preferredembodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0052]FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a first portion of anembodiment of the invention in which an amount of an ingredient isdispensed based upon a predicted amount of the ingredient needed tomaintain an effectiveness of the ingredient;

[0053]FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a second portion of the methodof FIG. 8; and

[0054]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative embodiment ofthe method illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The methods of the present invention can be described, as anexample, being used in conjunction with a mass based dispensing systemsuch as a dispensing system described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication entitled “Method and Apparatus For Mass Based Dispensing,”by Richard Mehus et al., having a filing date even herewith andidentified by attorney's docket number 117-P-1757US01, which is herebyincorporated by reference. The dispenser described in such co-pendingpatent application is shown generally in FIG. 1. Dispenser 10 includes ahousing 12 that has an outer wall 12 a having a cavity (not shown).Outer wall 12 a has a larger diameter at the top so as to accommodatecapsule (not shown). The capsule, in a preferred embodiment, contains asolid block of an ingredient to be dispensed. Inlet hose 15 allows adiluent to be sprayed into capsule and onto the block of ingredient tobe dispensed effectively eroding a portion of the block of ingredient.Sump region 12 c provides for a collection that region for a usesolution of the eroded ingredient and the diluent. Hose 17 is connectedto outlet 14 allowing the use solution to be directed to a desiredlocation. Load cell 22 measures that combined weight of capsule, theblock of ingredient and any diluent contained in capsule.

[0056] Dispenser 10 operates by spraying a diluent through inlet host 15into capsule and onto the block of ingredient. As the block ofingredient is eroded, a mixture of eroded ingredient and diluent isdischarged from dispenser 10 through hose 17. Load cell 22 accuratelymeasures the combined weight before the diluent is sprayed onto theblock of ingredient, while the diluent is sprayed onto the block ofingredient and after the diluent is sprayed onto the block ofingredient.

[0057]FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the effect of the spray of diluentonto the block of ingredient in the dispenser of FIG. 1. The mantissa istime and the ordinate is weight in grams. Time 50 before the initiationof spray represents the starting combined weight, netted out atapproximately zero (0) grams, for purposes of illustration. Spray isinitiated at time 52 at which point two things begin to happen. First,pressure from the diluent sprayed on the underside of the block ofingredient relieves some of the combined weight from load cell 22.Second, the added weight from diluent accumulating in capsule tends tocause an increased combined weight. Thus, the combined weight on loadcell 22 initially decreases until time 54 at which point the combinedweight reaches an initial minimum of approximately minus four (−4)grams. Following time 54, the added weight of the diluent in capsulecauses the combined weight to rather significantly increase. Over time,however, the added weight of the diluent in capsule tends to stabilizeas the block of ingredient is eroded. As the block of ingredient iseroded, its weight decreases. Thus, at time 56 the combined weightreaches a maximum at approximately sixteen (16) grams. Following time 56the block of ingredient continues to be eroded as the diluent continuesto spray. Since the added weight of the diluent in capsule hasstabilized, the combined weight continues to decrease during time 58until the spray is discontinued. The spray of diluent is discontinued attime 60 causing a momentary weight gain for the combined weight as theupward pressure on the block of ingredient is discontinued. Following amomentary weight gain cause by the lack of upward pressure on the blockof ingredient by the spray of diluent, diluent continues to drain fromcapsule during time period 62 resulting in the near final weight at time64 of approximately minus twenty-six (−26) grams.

[0058] The difference between the starting weight at time 50 ofapproximately zero (0) grams and the ending weight of approximatelyminus twenty-six (−26) grams, once the diluent has drained from capsule,of twenty-six (26) grams represents the amount of ingredient dispensed.However, note that the difference between the maximum weight ofapproximately sixteen (16) grams and the weight at time 60 ofapproximately minus nine (−9) grams when spray is discontinued is onlytwenty-five (25) grams. This is because ingredient was eroded from theblock of ingredient during time 66, between time 52 when spray is begunand time 56 when the maximum is measured, and also during time 62 asdiluent drains from capsule.

[0059] This process can be more readily understood with reference to theflow chart of FIG. 3. A requested amount of the ingredient requested isset (block 110). Load cell 22 weighs the ingredient (block 112). A valveis turned on (block 114) at time 52 initiating the spray of diluentagainst the block of ingredient. Optionally, the process waits (block116) for a minimum weight at time 54 to be reached. The process waits(block 118) for diluent being added by spray to accumulate in capsuleand increase the combined weight. Note that if the step represented byblock 116 is omitted, it is still proper to wait for weight gain inblock 118. Alternatively, if the step represented by block 116 is notomitted then it is no longer necessary to wait for weight gain and thestep represented by block 118. Alternatively, the steps represented byboth blocks 116 and 118 could be omitted in the process could continuedirectly to block 120. In block 120, the method searches for a maximumcombined weight at time 56 and, once found, records that peak weight(block 122). Again optionally, the process waits for weight loss (block124). Load cell 22 measures (block 126) the amount of weight lost fromthe maximum or peak weight recorded. Optionally, the process adjusts foran offset (block 128) which is explained below. The process determines(block 130) whether the measured weight lost is equal to an amount whichwill result in a dispensed amount of ingredient which equals therequested amount. When such a determination is made, the valve is turnedoff (block 132) discontinuing the spray of diluent against the block ofingredient. The process stops (block 134) until the process is repeatedby again setting a requested amount (block 110).

[0060] Since some ingredient will be eroded from the block of ingredientduring time 66 (between time 52 when spray is initiated and time 56 whenweight loss begins to be recorded) and during time 62 (while remainingdiluent drains from capsule), the amount of weight lost from capsuleduring time 58 does not necessarily equal the total weight of theingredient eroded and, hence, dispensed. However, an amount of theingredient which is additionally dispensed during time 66 and time 62can be calculated and/or estimated by a variety of means. For example,this amount can be determined empirically from previous dispensedcycles. Alternatively, the slope of curve 48 during all or a portion oftime 58 may be determined and an original maximum 68 may be determinedby regression to account for an amount of the ingredient eroded duringtime 66. The amount of additional ingredient eroded during times 66 and62 can be accounted for in the method in block 128 by adjusting the time60 at which the spray of the diluent is discontinued. For example, if itis determined that the additional amount of the ingredient dispensedduring time periods 66 and 62 is equal to approximately one (1) gram,then time 60 can be adjusted to turn off the spray of diluent when themeasured weight loss is equal to the requested amount of ingredientminus one (1) gram.

[0061]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a more detailed process. Theprocess starts at block 150 waiting for a dispense request. Adetermination is made at block 152 whether or not a dispensed requesthas occurred. The starting weight is logged, the requested amount isdetermined and the diluent spray valve is turned on (block 154). Theinitial weight loss is evaluated (block 156). If the weight loss isexcessive (block 158) a fault is recorded (block 160). The weight gainis evaluated (block 162) to determine if a peak weight has been reached(block 164).

[0062] If a peak weight has been reached, the peak weight is recorded(block 166) and a branch is made to compute an offset value (block 168).Dispensing continues (block 170) and the offset (from offset value inblock 172) is subtracted (block 174) from the requested amount. If therequested amount is greater (block 176) than the amount remaining, adetermination is made (block 178) whether the capsule is empty. If thecapsule is empty, the spray valve is turned off (block 180) and an alarmis sounded (block 182). If the capsule is not empty or if the requestedamount is still greater than the amount remaining, the current weight issubtracted from the previous weight and added to the startup offset(block 184). If the startup offset plus the previous weight equals therequested amount (block 186), the spray valve is turned off (block 188),the process waits (block 190) and updates the offset buffer (block 192)before returning to the wait for dispense request at block 150. However,if (in block 186) the startup offset plus the previous weight is notequal to the requested amount, and the process returns to block 184 andthe current weight is again subtracted from the previous weight andadded to the startup offset (block 184).

[0063]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the offset value calculationfrom the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 4. From the offset value in FIG.4 (block 194), the process determines whether this is the capsule'sfirst dispense cycle (block 196). If it is, the process uses apredetermined new capsule startup value (block 198) before updating theFIFO buffer with the new offset amount (block 200) and returning (block202) to the offset value in FIG. 4. If however (at block 196) it is notthe capsule's first dispense cycle, the process determines (block 204)if it is the capsule's second dispense cycle. If it is, an average(block 206) between the predetermined new capsule startup value and anempirical result from the first dispense cycle is sent to the FIFObuffer (block 200) and the process returns to FIG. 4 (block 202). Ifhowever (at block 204) it is not the capsule's second dispense cycle,the process determines (block 208) if it is the capsule's third dispensecycle. If it is, an average (block 210) of a new capsule startup valueand empirical result from the first and second dispense cycles is sentto the FIFO buffer (block 200) and the process returns to FIG. 4 (block202). If however (at block 208) it is not the capsule's third dispensecycle, then an average (block 212) of the empirical result from thecapsule's last three dispensed cycles are used as an offset and sent tothe FIFO buffer (block 200) and the process returns to FIG. 4 (block202).

[0064] An alternative embodiment of a method of the present invention isillustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 6 which can be utilized, forexample, in a dispenser which dispense as an ingredient for apredetermined period of time in each of a plurality of cycles. A desiredweight of an amount of the ingredient to be dispensed is determined(block 220). The initial weight is measured (block 222). A determinationis made (block 224) on whether the initial weight is greater than theweight of an empty capsule. If the initial weight is not greater thanthe weight of an empty capsule, the capsule may be changed (block 226)and the process again measures the initial weight (at block 222). Ifhowever the initial weight is greater than the empty weight, theingredient is dispensed (block 228) for the predetermined period oftime. Following dispensing, the amount of dispensed ingredient isdetermined (block 230). If the amount actually dispensed should disagreewith the desired amount to be dispensed, the period of time for the nextdispense period (block 228) is appropriately adjusted (block 232). Theinitial weight is then set to be equal to the final weight (block 234)to properly enable the next dispense cycle.

[0065]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a more detailed method of FIG.6. Again, the weight to be dispensed is set (block 220) and the initialweight is measured (block 222). Similarly, a determination (block 224)is made on whether the capsule is empty and whether the capsule shouldbe changed (block 226). Also similarly, the ingredient is dispensed fora predetermined period of time (block 228). Following dispensing, theprocess waits (block 236) for any remaining diluent to drain from thecapsule. The final weight is measured (block 238) and the dispensedweight is determined (block 240). The weight dispensed is compared(block 242) to the set weight and the predetermined period of time todispense for the next cycle is adjusted (block 232) appropriately. As anexample, if the amount dispensed is greater than the set amount, thenthe period of time to dispense would be adjusted downward. However, ifthe amount dispensed is less than the set amount, then the period oftime to dispense would be adjusted upward. And, of course, if the amountdispensed equals the set amount no adjustment need be made. The initialweight is then set to be equal to the final weight (block 234) toproperly enable the next dispense cycle.

[0066] An alternative embodiment of a method of the present invention isillustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 which can be utilizedin any of the dispensers described or other dispensers. The processfirst waits for a dispense request (block 250) using the determinationblock 252 based on whether a cycle signal has been received. Once acycle signal is received, the process measures a factor which, at leastin part, is indicative of the effectiveness of the ingredient beingdispensed into the machine in which the ingredient is utilized. In oneexample in a machine in which the ingredient is dispensed into a usesolution in a sump, a measurement of the pH of the use solution isindicative of an amount of detergent (for example, an alkalinedetergent) contained in the use solution. Thus, by measuring a factorsuch as pH, a dispenser can predict an amount of ingredient, in thiscase detergent, which should be dispensed into the machine. It isrecognized and understood that the pH of a use solution is just anexample of one of many factors which may be indicative of theeffectiveness of the ingredient being dispensed. For example withwarewashing machines, other examples could include temperature,turpidity, conductivity, water pressure, or another factor not relatedto the use solution per se such as a degree of soiling of the dishes orthe length of time since the last cycle.

[0067] In FIG. 9, the pH is measured (block 254) and a determination(block 256) on whether the measured pH is greater than an upper limit ismade. If the pH is greater than the upper limit, the machine already hastoo much detergent, the present dispense cycle is skipped and theprocess returns to block 250 to wait for the next dispense request. If,however, the measured pH is not greater than the upper limit, adetermination (block 258) is made on whether the pH is lower than alower limit. If not, then the detergent amount is with in a normal rangeand the process dispenses (block 260) a regular amount of detergent forthe current dispense cycle. If however, the measured pH is lower than alower limit, then a determination is made (block 262) on whether the pHis so low that it is below a fresh water limit which would indicate thatthe machine's sump has been drained and refilled with fresh water. If itis, a larger, refill amount of detergent is dispensed (block 264). If itis not, the amount of detergent is below the normal range but not so lowas to require a refill amount dispense amount. In this case, the regulardispense amount is increased (block 266) to account for the low amountof detergent. Following blocks 260, 264 and 266, the process returns toFIG. 8 and dispenses (block 268) the requested amount of detergent.

[0068]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating generally how the predictiveprocess of FIG. 9 can be integrated in a dispensing method previouslyillustrated in FIG. 3. Instead of setting the amount of ingredient to bedispensed (as is done in FIG. 3), the process waits for a dispenserequest (block 250) and determines (block 252) whether a dispense cyclehas been requested. If a dispense cycle has been requested, the amountof the ingredient which needs to be dispensed is predicted (block 270)using the techniques illustrated in FIG. 9. Essentially havingsubstituted the predictive process of FIG. 9 for the manual setting ofFIG. 3, the process of FIG. 10 continues essentially identical to theprocess illustrated in FIG. 3 beginning with block 112 without optionalsteps represented by blocks 124 and 128.

[0069] While the methods of this invention have been describedthroughout this description is dispensing an ingredient useful orutilized in an apparatus in the cleaning industry, for example awarewashing machine, it is to be recognized and understood that themethods of the present invention have usefulness in other applicationsas well.

[0070] A description of alternatives methods of dispensing related tothe present invention are described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication entitled “Methods of Managing Based on Measurements ofActual Use of Product,” by Bryan Maser et al, having a filing date evenherewith and identified by attorney's docket number 117-P-1792US01, thecontent of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0071] The present invention has applicability in many areas in additionto those already discussed. The following is a list of at least some ofthe areas in which the invention may be used. In the area of pestelimination dispensing equipment, a load cell could be utilized tomeasure a pre-set amount of ready-to-use insecticide which would enablethe user to document proof of delivery for regulatory compliance, whileensuring a consistent dose was used for each application. Use in thevehicle cleaning market could encompass the use of a chemicalmeasurement device for a vehicle care product dispenser. The productcould be in a solid, liquid or gel form. Delivery would be byconventional means such as a recirculating system for solid products orpump systems for liquids or gels. The load cell would measure preciseweight changes in the product being delivered from a concentrate tocreate a ready-to-use solution or an intermediate solution that can bediluted at a user's convenience. The prior art procedures requirechemical or volumemetric measurements by operators of product usage toensure reproducible product delivery. As each product type variesgreatly in chemical components for vehicle cleaning products, differentchemical tests need to be developed and validated for each new product.Batch to batch variations in solid dissolution rates require verystringent quality control measures and greatly restrict new productdevelopment of solid systems. Large variations in product usetemperature due to seasonal temperature variations in the vehiclecleaning market have negative effects on liquid product viscosities.Water pressure variations within vehicle cleaning sites result in widechanges in product delivery as many dilution systems are based on siphontechnology. These variations often result in unacceptable differences inproduct delivery. All of the variations require human intervention toadjust the chemical delivery system. The use of the load cell technologywould permit reproducible delivery of product regardless of chemicalcomposition. This presents the possibilities of greater flexibility andproduct formulation. Concerns about variation in solid productsolubility differences or liquid viscosity changes with temperaturewould be eliminated as only weight changes are measured. Simplicity ofthe dispenser design would also result as the same dispenser technologycould be used for many product chemistries since chemical measurementsystems do not need to be taken into account for each product.

[0072] Still another area where the present invention could be utilizedis in the janitorial and health care areas. The janitorial businesswould be able to utilize the technology of the present invention foraccurately dispensing two component chemistries as well as cross linkingchemistries for floor care. For health care, the present invention wouldbe able to be utilized for proof of delivery for sanitizers anddisinfectants. There is also the need to deliver very accurate amountsof chemistry for instrument care and hard surface cleaning. Thetechnology would be available for both liquid and solid products. Thepresent invention is also applicable for Housekeeping. The invention isable to be utilized as a platform for accurate solid, liquid orconcentrate proportioning when it is used in conjunction with a devicethat can quantify an amount of water passing through a pipe. Forexample, if a known volume of water is used, and the load cell coulddetect the amount of concentrate dispensed, a proportion would be known.So in an accurate dispenser of this kind, the user would set aproportion. While water is filling up the use vessel, the concentrate isdispensed. Dispensing the concentrate occurs until the proportion issatisfied. If a known amount of water is passed through a pipe in afixed time, the dispenser could dispense the concentrate to satisfy theproportion. For example, if 100 milliliters of water is passed throughthe dispenser, a known amount of concentrate would be needed to satisfythe set proportion. The known amount of concentrate could be dispensedand stopped, when the load cell is satisfied.

[0073] The present invention is also applicable for laundry systems.Present laundry systems service two machines at a relatively high cost.The system is both complex and costly. The load cell technology of thepresent invention would reduce both the cost and complexity of a currentlaundry dispenser. Further, the current laundry system for liquid alsohas significant drawbacks in that there is no empty drum alarm and noway to compensate for the reduced output of the peristaltic pumpdispensing. Load cell technology of the present invention would allowfor accurate dispensing of the peristaltic pump over time, providing asignal of when to change the squeeze tube, and allow and empty warningdevice. These would be significant improvements over the prior art. Theforegoing is not an exhaustive list but are just further examples of theapplicability of the present invention.

[0074] Various modifications and alterations of this invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this invention. It should be understood that thisinvention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forthabove.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dispensing a requested amount of aningredient, comprising the steps of: dispensing said ingredient based ona factor affecting a dispensed amount of said ingredient; determiningsaid dispensed amount of said ingredient; and adjusting said factor fora subsequent dispense cycle using a comparison between said requestedamount and said dispensed amount.
 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein saidfactor comprises a predetermined amount of time.
 3. A method as in claim2 wherein said predetermined amount of time is adjusted downward if saiddispensed amount exceeds said requested amount.
 4. A method as in claim3 wherein said predetermined amount of time is adjusted upward if saidrequested amount exceeds said dispensed amount.
 5. A method as in claim1 wherein said factor comprises a pumping speed of a pump used todispense said ingredient.
 6. A method as in claim 1 wherein said factorcomprises an effectiveness of a grinder used to dispense saidingredient.
 7. A method as in claim 1 wherein said factor comprises aspeed of dispenser used to dispense a powdered ingredient.
 8. A methodas in claim 1 wherein said factor comprises a degree of flooding saidingredient.
 9. A method as in claim 1 wherein said factor comprises atemperature at which said ingredient is dispensed.
 10. A method as inclaim 1 wherein said ingredient is dispensed by eroding said ingredientwith a diluent.
 11. A method of dispensing a requested amount of aningredient from a container, comprising the steps of: measuring aninitial weight of said ingredient in said container; dispensing saidingredient from said container for a predetermined period of time;measuring a final weight of said ingredient in said container;determining a dispensed amount of said ingredient dispensed during saidpredetermined period of time by comparing said final weight with saidinitial weight; and adjusting said predetermined period of time for asubsequent dispense cycle using a comparison between said requestedamount and said dispensed amount.
 12. A method as in claim 11 whereinsaid predetermined amount of time is adjusted downward if said dispensedamount exceeds said requested amount.
 13. A method as in claim 12wherein said predetermined amount of time is adjusted upward if saidrequested amount exceeds said dispensed amount.
 14. A method as in claim11 wherein said ingredient is dispensed by eroding said ingredient witha diluent.
 15. A method of dispensing a requested amount of aningredient from a container by eroding said ingredient with a diluent,comprising the steps of: measuring an initial weight of said ingredientin said container; dispensing said ingredient from said container for apredetermined period of time; waiting for a lag time to allow saiddiluent to drain from said ingredient; measuring a final weight of saidingredient in said container; determining a dispensed amount of saidingredient dispensed during said predetermined period of time bycomparing said final weight with said initial weight; comparing saiddispensed weight with said requested weight; and adjusting saidpredetermined period of time for a subsequent dispense cycle as afunction of said comparing step.
 16. A method as in claim 15 whereinsaid predetermined amount of time is adjusted downward if said dispensedamount exceeds said requested amount.
 17. A method as in claim 16wherein said predetermined amount of time is adjusted upward if saidrequested amount exceeds said dispensed amount.
 18. A method as in claim15 which further comprises the steps of: comparing said initial weightwith a known weight representative of an empty container; and replacingsaid container before said dispensing step if a result of said comparingstep indicates that said container is empty.
 19. A method of dispensinga requested amount of an ingredient in each of a plurality of cycles,comprising the steps of: dispensing said ingredient in each of saidplurality of cycles based on a factor affecting a dispensed amount ofsaid ingredient; determining said dispensed amount of said ingredientover said plurality of cycles; and adjusting said predetermined factorfor a subsequent dispense cycle using a comparison between saidrequested amount over said plurality of cycles and said dispensedamount.
 20. A method as in claim 19 wherein said factor comprises apredetermined amount of time.
 21. A method as in claim 20 wherein saidpredetermined amount of time is adjusted downward if said dispensedamount exceeds said requested amount.
 22. A method as in claim 21wherein said predetermined amount of time is adjusted upward if saidrequested amount exceeds said dispensed amount.
 23. A method as in claim19 wherein said plurality of cycles is at least two.
 24. A method ofdispensing a requested amount of an ingredient from a container byeroding said ingredient with a diluent, comprising the steps of:weighing said ingredient; activating said diluent to erode saidingredient; determining a measured weight loss from a maximum weight ofsaid ingredient; and deactivating said diluent when said measured weightloss indicates that said requested amount will be dispensed.
 25. Amethod as in claim 24 wherein said ingredient is solid.
 26. A method asin claim 25 wherein said diluent is sprayed on said ingredient.
 27. Amethod as in claim 26 wherein said diluent is sprayed on said ingredientfrom below said ingredient.
 28. A method as in claim 27 furthercomprising the step, accomplished between said activating step and atime when said ingredient reaches said maximum weight, of waiting for aminimum weight.
 29. A method as in claim 24 wherein said ingredient ispowdered.
 30. A method as in claim 25 wherein said deactivating step isaccomplished when said measured weight equals the difference betweensaid maximum weight and said requested amount minus an offset.
 31. Amethod as in claim 30 wherein said offset is based upon an amount ofsaid ingredient dispensed between a time at which said activating stepoccurs and a time when said ingredient reaches said maximum weight. 32.A method as in claim 31 wherein said offset is empirically determined.33. A method as in claim 31 wherein said offset is additionally basedupon a trailing amount of said ingredient dispensed following saiddeactivating step.
 34. A method of dispensing a requested amount of aningredient, comprising the steps of: weighing said ingredient;activating a dispenser to dispense said ingredient; determining a weightloss of said ingredient at least in part by measuring a rate at whichsaid ingredient is being dispensed; and deactivating said dispenser whensaid weight loss indicates that said requested amount will be dispensed.35. A method as in claim 34 wherein said rate at which said ingredientis being dispensed is a function of measuring a slope of a dispensingcurve.
 36. A method as in claim 34 wherein said determining stepcomprises measuring a maximum of said ingredient and a rate at whichsaid ingredient is being dispensed to interpolate a time when saidrequested amount of said ingredient will be dispensed.
 37. A method ofdispensing an ingredient for use in an apparatus, said ingredient havingan effectiveness in use in said apparatus in which said effectiveness isdependent upon a measurable factor, comprising the steps of: measuringsaid factor; predicting an amount of said ingredient to be dispensedbased at least in part on said factor; and dispensing said amount ofsaid ingredient.
 38. A method as in claim 37 wherein said ingredient isdispensed into a solution in said apparatus.
 39. A method of dispensinga concentrate into an apparatus having a sump containing a solution ofsaid concentrate and a diluent in which an effectiveness of saidconcentrate declines in use, said effectiveness dependent upon ameasurable factor, comprising the steps of: measuring said factor; anddetermining whether an additional amount of said concentrate should beadded to said sump in order to increase said effectiveness; anddispensing said additional amount of said concentrate.
 40. A method asin claim 39 wherein said factor is a function of said solution.
 41. Amethod as in claim 40 wherein said solution has a pH and wherein saidfactor is said pH.
 42. A method of dispensing a concentrate in each of aplurality of cycles into an apparatus having a sump containing a diluentin which an effectiveness of said concentrate declines in use, saideffectiveness dependent upon a measurable factor, comprising the stepsof: measuring said factor in each of said plurality of cycles; anddispensing an amount of said concentrate in each of said plurality ofcycles based at least in part on said factor.
 43. A method as in claim42 wherein said factor is a function of said solution.
 44. A method asin claim 43 wherein said solution has a pH and wherein said factor issaid pH.
 45. A method as in claim 42 wherein said dispensing is skippedin one of said plurality of cycles.
 46. A method as in claim 45 whereinsaid factor indicates too much of said concentrate in said sump.
 47. Amethod as in claim 42 wherein said measuring step indicates that saidsump has been refilled with fresh diluent and wherein said dispensingstep dispenses a refill amount of said concentrate.
 48. A method as inclaim 42 wherein said amount of said concentrate dispensed is dependentupon a dispense time and wherein said dispense time is adjusted based atleast in part on said measuring step.